In the past five years, the Middle East has seen a steady rise in women-led tech startups—many of which are building apps designed for female users. These platforms are often rooted in personal experience and are focused on practical, everyday needs.
In Saudi Arabia, apps like Labayh provide women with access to mental health professionals through anonymous consultations. In Egypt, platforms like Orcas focus on educational tools, many of which are designed by or for mothers and children. In the UAE, several startups have emerged in the wellness and personal care space, offering services such as appointment booking, fitness tracking, and women’s health advice.
What sets these apps apart is their focus on user trust. Many prioritize privacy, language accessibility, and culturally appropriate design. Founders often cite a gap in mainstream platforms, where female users’ concerns were either misunderstood or ignored.
These startups face hurdles common in the region: limited early-stage funding, regulatory complexity, and social stigma around some topics. Yet many are growing through word-of-mouth and strategic partnerships with NGOs, healthcare providers, and schools.
By centering local needs and lived experience, these apps are not just serving women—they are giving them tools to navigate everyday challenges in a more informed and empowered way.
